Latch



2 Sheets-Sheet l W. M. RIES LATCH Jan. 10, 1956 Filed July 27, 1951INVENTOR W|L.| |AM M. RlEs Ed Q9 2 .l .s P. my, d \J .2 P MZI. Az.(.Ovfq/l) im United States Patent LATCH William M. Ries, Beechbottom,W. Va., assignor to Wheeling Steel Corporation, Wheeling, W. Va., acorporation of Delaware Application `luly Z7, 19551, Serial No. 238,913

23 Claims. (Cl. 292-244) This invention relates to latches and moreparticularly to latches adapted to be employed in doors. The inventioncomprises improvements in latches which enhance their utility andincrease their adaptability.

-ln the design of structures employing doorways with doors mounted atthe doorways for movement between open and closed positions it has beencustomary to completely design the structure even as to the side of thedoorway at which the door is to be mounted and the` direction in whichthe door is to swing or slide toward closed position and parts adaptedspecifically for the particular installation as designed have beenspecified. How. ever, there are occasions when it is desired to postponedetermination as to just how doors are to be mounted relatively to theirrespective doorways until near completion of the structure. This isespecially true in respect of industrial structures such as Shoppartitions and the like. It may be diicult to determine at the time ofdesigning a shop partition just how each door should 'be mounted, i. e.,whether it should be a slidingdoor or a swinging door, if a sliding doortoward which side of the doorway lit should open and if a swinging doorto which side of the doorway it should be hinged and in which directionit should swing when being opened. Yet heretofore it has been considerednecessary to initially cornpletely design the structure even to the typeof each door and the relationship to the doorway in which the door ismounted. This has made it difiicult or impossible to mount doorsdifferently than in accordance with the original design whenY nearcompletion of the structureit appears that the original design was notin all respects desirable insofar as the types of doors selected and therelationship to their respective doorways in which they were designedtoy be mounted are concerned.

l have devised a latch which is universally adaptable for sliding andswinging doors, for right-hand and lefthandy doors and.` for doors whichif of the swinging type swing either inwardly or outwardly. Use of mylatch makes -it possible to postpone until near completion of astructure determination of the question as to how each door is to behung yet without incurring delay in obtaining special latches when thedetermination has been made.

Other details, objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the following description of a present preferred embodimentthereof proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown a present preferred embodimentof the invention in which:

Figure lis a face view of a latch;

Figure 2 is a face view of the latch shown in Figure l viewed 'from theopposite face;

Figure 3 is an end view' of the latch shown in Figures l and 2 as viewedfrom the right in Figure l;

Figure 4 is an end view of the latch shown in Figures l`3 as viewed fromthe right in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an edge view of the latch shown in Figures l-4 as viewedfrom the top in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure l with portions eut away to show`the. interior structure, the bolt being mounted "for generallyrectilinear movement and being shown in projected position;

2,730,393 Patented Jan. 10, 1956 Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6showing the bolt retracted;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 but with the bolt mounted forangular instead of generally rectilinear movement, the bolt being shownin its lower or operative position;

Figure 9 is a View similar to Figure 8 showing the bolt in its uptiltedor inoperative position;

Figure 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken on the line X-X ofFigure 6;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bolt;

Figure; 12 is a face view of one of the two opposed casing members; and

Figure 13 is an end View of the casing member shown in Figure 12 asviewed from the right in that figure.

The latch casing is designated generally by reference numeral 2 andcomprises two identical opposed casing members 2a and 2b. Figures 12 and13 show the structure of the casing member 2a and since the casingmembers 2a and 2b are identical Figures 12 and 13 also s how thestructure of the casing member 2b. Each of such casing members is madeout of sheet or plate metal and comprises a generally planar bodyportion 3 of generally elongated rectangular shape having at each endadjacent each longitudinal edge a flange integral with the body portionand turned at right angles thereto. Thus there are fou-r suchflanges oneach casing member. The flanges at one end of the casing member are ofthe same shape as each other and the flanges at the opposite end of thecasing member are of the same shape as each other and of the same shapeas the anges at the first mentioned end except for an added projectionto which reference will be made below whose purpose is to provide ananchor for a coil spring biasing the bolt. The flanges at one en d ofthe casing member are designated 4, each being of generally rectangularshape but having a circular hole 5 therethrough and having a recess 6 inthe edge thereof which forms a continuation of the correspondinglongitudinal edge of the body portion 3. The ilanges at the other end ofthe casing member are designated 4 and are identical with the flanges 4except that each ange 4 has an added projection 7 projecting into therecess thereof which corresponds to the recess 6 of each of the anges 4.The function of each of the projections 7 is to provide an anchor for acoil spring biasing the bolt as will appear below.

Each of the casing members 2a and 2b has a pair of longitudinal parallelslots 8 in each end thereof extending parallel to the longitudinal edgesof the casing member and providing therebetween a tongue 9. Bach of thetongues 9 is integral with the body portion but is deformed out of theplane of the body portion and is itself generally planar and lies in aplane generally parallel to the plane of the body portion disposed atthe side of the body portion toward which the llanges 4 and 4 project.Each tongue 9 has two circular holes 10 therethrough.

Each of the casing members 2a and 2b has formed, therein closer to oneof its ends than to the other end a circular depression 11 and throughthe depression 11 is formed an opening 12 of generally elongated shapewith straight sides 13 extending generally parallel to the shortdimension of the casing member and curved ends 14 joining the straightsides as clearly shown in Figure 12.

In assembling the casing the two identical casing members 2a and 2b aredisposed with their flanges 4 and 4 toward each other and with theopenings 12 in nonopposed relation. This results in the flanges 4 ofeach of the casing members being opposed to the flanges 4' of the othercasing member. The casing members are brought together so that theflanges of one overlap the flanges of the other and they are fastenedtogether by bolts passing through the holes 5 of the overlapped flangesand having nuts 16 applied thereto. Thus there is formed by the usesolely of two identical casing members, four bolts and four nuts a latchcasing which has an inner space for containing the latch bolt and boltoperating mechanism and an opening at each end (formed between theopposed faces of the respective tongues 9 and between the inner edges ofthe respective flanges 4 and 4') so that the bolt may have its operativeend projecting selectively through either end of the4 casing. There isapplied to the end of the casing through which the operative end of thebolt projects a plate 17 which is an elongated rectangular plate ofsheet or plate metal having through the center thereof a rectangularopening 18 through which the operative end of the bolt is adapted toextend and also having therethrough an inner pair of bolt holes 19 andan outer pair of bolt holes 20. The inner pair of bolt holes 19 have thesame spacing as the holes 5 of the casing members 2a and 2b. When thecasing members 2a and 2b are assembled the bolts 15 which hold themtogether at one end also pass through the bolt holes 19 of the plate 17and thus attach and hold in place to the casing the plate 17. When thecasing members 2a and 2b and the plate 17 are assembled the anges 4 and4' of the casing members are so disposed relatively to each other thatthe plate 17 lies against the flanges 4 of one of the casing members.When the casing members are assembled the anges 4 having the addedprojections 7 are disposed toward the inside of the casing relatively tothe flanges 4. The bolt holes 20 are for bolting the latch to the doorto which it is to be applied. When the latch is applied to the door itis inserted into a suitable recess provided in the door with the plate17 disposed at the edge of the door and extending beyond the recess sothat attaching bolts passing through the bolt holes 20 also pass througha portion of the door to hold the latch in place relatively to the door.Screws instead of bolts may be used for fastening the latch to the door.

The latch bolt is shown in perspective in Figure 1l. It is designatedgenerally by reference numeral 21 and comprises a body 22 havinglatching portions 23 and 24 respectively connected therewith andprojecting therefrom in opposite directions. The latching portions 23and 24 are of different construction and are selectively usable as theoperative portion of the bolt depending upon whether the bolt is mountedin the casing for sliding movement or for swinging movement. When thebolt is mounted in the casing for sliding movement the latching portion23 is the operative portion of the bolt. When the bolt is mounted in thecasing for swinging movement the latching portion 24 is the operativeportion of the bolt. The bolt is mounted in the casing for slidingmovement when the latch is used in a swinging or hinged door and thebolt is mounted in the casing for swinging movement when the latch isused in a sliding door. The latching portion 23 has an inclined end face25 which when the bolt is disposed in generally horizontal position isoriented substantially vertically, which is characteristic of slidingbolts used in swinging doors. The inclined end face 25 is adapted toengage a portion of the door frame when the door is swung shut, suchengagement resulting in camming back the bolt until the door reachesfully closed position when the bolt is projected by its spring behindthe portion of the frame referred to to maintain the door closed. Thelatching portion 24 has an inclined end face 26 which when the bolt isdisposed in generally horizontal position is oriented at an angle to thevertical, which is characteristic of swinging bolts used in slidingdoors. The inclined end face 26 is adapted to engage a portion of thedoor frame when the door is slid shut, such engagement resulting intilting the bolt until the door reaches fully closed position when thebolt is swung down either by its spring or by gravity or both so thatthe hook por- 4 tion 27 thereof lies behind the portion of the framereferred to to maintain the door closed.

Through the body portion 22 of the bolt are two openings 28 and 29respectively. The openings 28 and 29 are separated from each other by arib 30 through which passes a pin 31 projecting at both faces of thebolt as shown in Figure l1. Considering the bolt to be orientedhorizontally and disposed in a generally vertical plane as indicated inFigure 1l, a pin 32 integral with the bolt is disposed at the edge ofthe bolt above the pin 31 and a pin 33 integral with the bolt isdisposed at the edge of the bolt below the pin 31, the pin 32 projectingpast only one face of the bolt while the pin 33 projects past only theopposite face of the bolt. At the edge of the bolt at which the pin 32is disposed and positioned so that the pin 32 lies therebetween are pins34 and 35 integral with the bolt which project past only the face of thebolt opposite the face past which the pin 32 projects. At the edge ofthe bolt at which the pin 33 is disposed and positioned so that the pin33 lies therebetween are pins 36 and 37 integral with the bolt whichproject past only the face of the bolt opposite the face past which thepin 33 projects. Thus the pins 31, 32, 36 and 37 project past one faceof the bolt while the pins 31, 33, 34 and 35 project past the oppositeface of the bolt. All of the pins project substantially the samedistance beyond the respective faces of the bolt. The total length ofthe pin 31 is slightly less than the distance between the inner faces ofthe body portions 3 of the casing members 2a and 2b when they areassembled as above described. The thickness of the body portion 22 andthe latching portions 23 and 24 of the bolt in the direction parallel tothe axes of the pins is slightly less than the distance between theinner faces of the opposed tongues 9 of the casing members. Thus thebolt is by the pins which are disposed between the inner faces of thebody portions 3 of the casing members 2a and 2b and the latchingportions 23 and 24 which are disposed between the opposed tongues 9maintained generally in operative orientation within the casing. Thebolt 21 may be cast, in which case the pins 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and37 may be cast integral therewith.

The bolt is adapted to be operated by either of two identical cams 38 ofsheet or plate metal, the cams 38 having the shape shown in Figures 6,7, 8 and 9. Each thereof has a projection 38a extending in one directionand a projection 38b extending in the opposite direction, the projection38b having opposed operating corner portions 38e and 38d respectively.Each cam 38 has generally centrally located a generally keyhole-shapedcutout 38e. The respective cams 38 are positioned within the casing sothat one thereof lies against one face of the bolt and the other thereoflies against the other face of the bolt.

There is mounted in each of the openings 12 a cylinder lock case 39having the usual provision for lock tumblers and the usual cylindricalbore 40 into which a bolt operating device may be inserted. The boltoperating device may be a lock cylinder or it may be a device other thana lock cylinder such as the knob 41 having a reduced cylindrical shank42 rotatably received within the bore 40. When the bolt operating deviceis a lock cylinder the cylinder and the case 39 are provided with theusual tumblers so that the cylinder may be turned only by the use of akey shaped to operate the tumblers to permit turning of the cylinder aswell known to those skilled in the lock art.

As will be understood from what is stated above, it is optional whetherprovision be made to operate the bolt by a lock cylinder or operatingmeans other than a lock cylinder from either side of the door. Lockcylinders may be used at both sides of the door or operating devicesother than lock cylinders may be used at both sides of the door or alock cylinder may be used at one side of the door and a device otherthan a lock cylinder at the opposite side of the door. In the draw- Iings the knojb 4.1 which requires no key for its operation isl used, at.one side of the door and a lock cylinder 43 which requires a key for itsoperation is used at the other side; of the-door.

Referring to Figure l0, a camY turning device 44 cooperates with theknob 41;. The cam turning device 44 comprises a. generally plate-likeportion 45 of generally keyhole shape and a generally cylindricalportion 46 integral therewith and projecting in one direction therefrom,the portion 46v being adapted to have an operating t, within the bore 40ofv the case 39 with which the knob 41 is used.. The portion 46 of thecam turning device 44 enters. the bore 40 from the inside of the case.In the extremity of the portion 46 are two intersecting cross slots 47adapted selectively to receive a projection 4.8; at the inner end of theshank 42 of the knob 41 so that when the cam turning device 44 isapplied to the bore 40 from the inside of the case and the knob 41 ifsapplied to the bore 40 from the outside of the case the knob will, beoperatively connected with the cam a turning deviceto turn the same whenthe knob is turned. Ilhel projection 48 of the knob enters only one ofthe cross slots 47 of the device 44. When a round knob is. used it isimmaterial which cross slot the projection 43V enters. lever type knobor handle may be used and the orientation of the lever will bedetermined by which of the slots in the carn turning device theprojection at the inner endV of the lever shank enters. If it is desiredthat the, lever be normally oriented in generally horizontal positionthe projection will enter one slot while if it is desired that the leverbe normally oriented in generally vertical position the projectionenters the other slot.

'llhel knob 41 has therethrough a bore 49 enlarged adjacent the outerend of the knob as indicated at 50. The cam turning device 44 has athreaded bore 5l. When the parts have been assembledas4 above describedso that the projection 48 of the knob enters one of the cross slots 47of the cam turning device 44 a screw 52 `is introduced through the bore49 and threaded into the bore 51 to maintain the knob 4,1 and the device44 assembled, the head 53 of the screw being concealed within theenlarged outer portion 50 of the bore. The portion 45 of the cam turningdevice 44 isl as above rnentioned of generally keyhole shape and isadapted to snugly enter the cutout 38e of one of the cams 38. A similargenerally keyhole-shaped plate is applied to the inner end of the lockcylinder 43, as by being screwed or otherwise fastened innon-rotativelrelation thereto, and is adapted to snugly enter the cutout38e of the other cam 38. Each of the cases 39 has an outer circularflange 54 substantially filling the circular depression` 11 of thecasing member to which it is applied and the body of the case is: shapedto snugly fit within the opening 12 and isfmantained in place by a nut55 threaded. onto the inner end thereof and turned up against the innerface of the casing at the depression 11. The conforming non-circularshape of the opening 12 and the portion of the case 39 passingtherethrough holds the case against turning relatively to the lockcasing 2.

Each of the bolt operating devices passes through one of the openings 28and 29 of the bolt 21, the accessible portion thereof (the knob 41 orlock cylinder 43 as the case may be) being vat one face of the casing2while the camy 38 operated thereby is at the opposite face of thecasing. In other words, each of the bolt operating devices operatesthrough one of the openings of the bolt and acts on the bolt at the facethereof remote from the face of the casing at which the external forcefor operating the bolt is applied. Each of the cams 38 lies between oneof the side faces of the bolt and the inside ofthe lock casing and isoperatively connected with the keyhole-shaped carn turning device towhich it is applied by fitting its keyhole-shapedy cutout about the camturning device; In other words, there is no need of pro- However,instead of using a round knob a 6 viding` any fastening means for thecams 38' since they are confined between the bolt and; the respectiveinside. faces of the casing 2 so| that. they cannot losetheir oper ativeconnection with the respectivecam turning devices without disassemblingthe casing.

The bolt 21 is supported in the casing by the nutsl 55 which lie withinthe openings 2S and 29, respectively, of the bolt. Normally the surfacesdefiningV the tops of the openings 28 and 29 of the bolt ride upon thetoprnost surfaces of the nuts` 55. When the bolt is mounted as a slidingbolt it is supported by the nuts 55 at virtually all times. When thebolt is mounted as a swinging or tilting bolt it is supported by thenuts 55 when in operative position. Actually it is also supported by thepin 57; in the structure shown when the bolt when mounted as a swingingbolt is in operative position as shown in Figure 8 it is supported bythe pin 57 and also by the two nuts 55. When the bolt is swung or tiltedto inoperative position as shown in Figure 9 it rises out of Contactwith the nutsA 55.

A tension coil spring 56 is applied between the bolt and the casing,having one end anchored to one of the pins of the bolt and the other endanchored to one of the projections 7 of the casing to normally urge thebolt toward operative position.

The parts may be assembled to provide a latch having a sliding latch`bolt for a door hinged from either edge and swinging either inwardly oroutwardly or latch having a swinging or tilting latch bolt for a slidingdoor. Figures l--7 and l0 show a latch having a sliding latch bolt whileFigures 8 and 9 show a latch having a swinging or tilting latch bolt. lnthe form of Figures l.7 and l() the latching portion 23 projects throughthe plate 17' and the bolt is biased' toward operative position byanchoring the spring 56 between the pin 37 and the projection 7 at theiower front corner of the casing (the front of the casing beingconsideredl as the end at which the plate 17 is applied which isdisposed at the edge of the door). A pin 57 passes through the upperopposed holes it) at the rear of the casing. The pin 57 is not alwaysessential when the bolt is mounted for sliding movement and may in someinstances be dispensed with. However, it restrains any tendency whichthe rear end (i.e., the lefthand end viewing Figures 6 and 7) of thebolt may have to rise during operation of the latch as the upper surface58 of the portion 24 rides substantially against or very close to thebottom of the pin as the bolt moves back and forth. The pin is provided.for use when the bolt ismounted as a swinging or tilting bolt as willpresently appear and it is recommended that it be applied as shown inFigures 6 and 7 when the bolt is mounted as a sliding bolt although thelatch may be operative if the pin is not so employed.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the bolt may be retracted by eitherof the cams 38. The left-hand cam 38 viewing Figures 6 and 7 is disposedat the face of the face of the bolt nearer the eye, that being the faceof the bolt from which the pin 36 projects. When the left-hand cam 315is turned in the clockwise direction viewing Figures 6 and 7 the portion38C thereof engages the pin 36 and retracts the bolt. The right-hand cam38 viewing Figures 6 and 7 is disposed at the face of the bolt remotefrom the eye and when it is turned in the counterclockwise direction theportion 38aoperates against thepin 3S to retract the bolt. When no forceis being exerted against the bolt to retract it or hold it in retractedposition spring 56 returns it to operative position.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, the bolt is shown in those figures asbeing mounted for swinging or tilting movement. A circular hole S9 isprovided in the portion 230i the bolt and the pin S7 is inserted throughthe hole 59 and the-lower opposed holes-10 at the rear of the casing asshown in'Figur'es 8i and 9, the portion 24 of the bolt projectingthrough the plate 17. Thus the pin 57 holds the bolt against translatorymovement in the casing but permits turning of the bolt about the pin asan axis. The spring 56 is anchored between the pin 37 and the projection7 at the lower rear corner otthe casing and tends to turn the bolt inthe clockwise direction about the pivot pin 57, i. e., so as to drawdownwardly the portion 24 of the bolt. The bolt may be turned in thecounterclockwise direction viewing Figures 8 and 9 about the pivot pin57 by either of the cams 38. For thus turning the bolt the pin 31 isutiltized. When the left-cam 38 viewing Figures 8 and 9 is turned in thecounterclockwise direction the portion 38d thereof engages beneath andforces upwardly the pin 31, thus swinging the bolt about the pivot pin57 to raise the portion 24 thereof. Similarly when the right-hand cam 38viewing Figures 8 and 9 is turned in the clockwise direction the portion38d thereof engages beneath and forces upwardly the pin 31, thusswinging the bolt about the pivot pin 57 to raise the portion 24thereof.

It will be understood that when closing the door it is unnecessary tooperate the bolt except through the action thereon of the portion of thedoor frame (normally a strike plate attached to the door frame) whichacts against the inclined face 25 or 26 of the bolt, depending uponwhether the bolt is being used as a sliding bolt in a swinging door oras a swinging bolt in a sliding door, and after the door has closed thespring 56 will move the bolt to operative position to maintain the doorclosed until the bolt is retracted by one or the other of the boltoperating devices. Retraction of the swinging bolt means turning of itin the counterclockwise direction viewing Figures 8 and 9 about thepivot pin 57 so as to raise the hook portion 27 to a level above that ofthe cooperating portion of the strike plate.

Features disclosed but not claimed herein are disclosed and claimed inthe copending application of Richard Raper, Serial No. 238,968, tiled ofeven date herewith, now Patent No. 2,695,805 issued Nov. 30, 1954.

While I have shown and described a present preferred embodiment of theinvention it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied within the scopeof the following claims.

i claim:

l. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed plates each havingears projecting toward the other, means connecting together the ears ofthe respective plates constituting the only means holdiny the platestogether, a bolt disposed between the plates, a portion of the boltprojecting from between the plates, and means for moving the boltrelatively to the plates.

2. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed casing members eachhaving portions projecting toward the other casing member, such portionsof the respective casing members overlapping, a bolt disposed betweenthe casing members. means for moving the bolt relatively to the casingmembers, a plate past which the bolt is adapted to project and meanscooperating with the overlapping portions of the casing membersconnecting together the casing members and connecting the plate thereto,said last mentioned means constituting the only means connectingtogether the casing members.

3. A latch comprising a casing comprising identical opposed plates eachhaving ears projecting toward the other plate, the ears of therespectiveplates overlapping, a bolt disposed between the plates andadapted to project from between the plates past the overlapping ears andconnecting means passing through the overlapping ears to connect theplates together, said last mentioned means constituting the only meansconnecting the plates together.

4. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed F casing members eachhaving a portion projecting toward the other casing member, suchportions of the respective casing members overlapping, a bolt disposedbetween the casing members and adapted to project from between thecasing members, means for moving the bolt relatively 8 to the casingmembers, means cooperating with the overlapping portions of the casingmembers connecting together the casing members, one of said portionshaving a projecting part to form a spring anchor, and a spring anchoredto the spring anchor and connected with the bolt to bias the boltrelatively to the casing.

5. A latch comprising a casing comprising identical opposed plates eachhaving ears respectively at opposite edges thereof projecting toward theother plate, each ear overlapping an ear of the other plate forming apair of overlapping ears, a bolt disposed between the plates and adaptedto project from between the plates, means for moving the bolt relativelyto the plates, means cooperating with the overlapping ears connectingthe plates together, one only of each pair of overlapping ears having aprojection forming a spring anchor, and a spring anchored to one of thespring anchors and connected with the bolt to bias the bolt relativelyto the casing.

6. A latch comprising a casing comprising identical opposed casingmembers each having an opening therethrough to receive a portion of abolt operating device, said opening in each of the casing members beingdisposed at a location removed from the center of the casing member, twobolt operating devices, one having a portion received within the openingof one of the casing members and the other having a portion receivedwithin the opening of the other of the casing members so that one of thebolt operating devices is operable from the outside of one face of thecasing and the other of the bolt operating devices is operable from theoutside of the other face of the casing, the casing members beingdisposed with their corresponding ends at opposite ends of the latch andwith the respective openings in non-opposed relationship so that therespective bolt operating devices are olfset from each other, and a boltdisposed between the opposed casing members and adapted to project frombetween the opposed casing members, each of the bolt operating devicesbeing disposed in operative relationship with respect to the bolt tooperate the bolt when that bolt operating device is operated.

7. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed casing members eachhaving an opening therethrough to receive a portion of a bolt operatingdevice, two bolt operating devices, one having a portion received withinthe opening of one of the casing members and the other having a portionreceived within the opening of the other of the casing members so thatone of the bolt operating devices is operable from the outside of oneface of the casing and the other of the bolt operating devices isoperable from the outside of the other face of the casing, therespective bolt operating devices being in non-opposed relationship toeach other, and a bolt disposed between the opposed casing members andadapted to project from between the opposed casing members, the bolthaving two openings therethrough from side to side with scparating meanstherebetween, one of the bolt operating devices entering one ot" theopenings in the bolt and the other of the bolt operating devicesentering the other of the openings in the bolt, each of the boltoperating devices being disposed in operative relationship with respectto the bolt to operate the bolt when the bolt operating device isoperated, the separating means having a portion cooperable with at leastone of the bolt operating devices through which the bolt may beoperated.

8. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed casing members eachhaving one opening only therethrough to receive a portion of a boltoperating device, two bolt operating devices, one having a portionreceived within the opening of one of the casing members and the otherhaving a portion received within the opening of the other of the casingmembers so that one of the bolt operating devices is operable from theoutside of one face of the casing and the other of the bolt operatingdevices is operable from the outside of the other face of the casing,the respective bolt operating devices being in non-opposed relationshipto each other, a bolt disposed between the opposed easing members-andadaptedltoproject from between the opposed casing. members, the boltbeing transversely. open, the bolt operating devices passing through:thebolt, and two bolt operating cams, each connected with one of the boltoperating devices at the eX- tremity thereof remote from the casingmember receiving it, each of the camsbeing disposed inoperativerelationship with-respect to the bolt to operate the bolt when the bolt.operating device with which the cam is connected.

is operated.

9'. Ay latch comprising a casing comprising opposed casing members eachhaving a portion projecting toward the other, casing member, suchportions of the respective vcasing` members overlapping, meanscooperating with the overlapping portions of the casing membersconnecting together the. casing4 members, each of the casing membershaving therethrough a single opening only toreceive. a portion of a boltoperating device, two bolt operatingl devices, one having a portionreceivedfwithin the opening of' one of the casing members ajndj' theother having a portion received within the opening of theother ofthecasing members so that one of the bolt operating devices is operablefrom the outside of one face of the casing and' the other of the boltoperating devices isv operable from the outside of the other face ofthe. casing, the respective bolt operating devices being in non-opposed'relationship to each other, and a' bolt'v disposed between the opposedcasing membersand" adapted' to project from betweenV the opposed casingmembers, the bolt being recessed, both of the bolt operating devicesentering the recessed bolt, each of the bolt operating devices beingdisposed in operative'relationshipwith respect to the bolt to operatethe bolt when the bolt operating devicel is operated.

lO A latch comprising a casing comprising identifcal opposed plates eachhaving an ear projecting toward the" other plate, the ears ofv therespective plates overlapping, connecting means passing through theoverlapping ears to' connect the plates together, each plate having anopening therethrough to receive a portion of a boltV operating device,two bolt operating devices, one havingY aV portion' received within theopening of one of the plates andthe other having a portion receivedwithin-` the opening of the other of the plates sol that one of the boltoperating` devices is operable from the outside. of one face of thecasing andl the other of the bolt operating devices is operable from theoutside of the other face of: the casing, the respective bolt operatingVdevices being in non-opposed relationship to each other, a; boltdisposedbetween the opposed plates and adaptedi to project from between theopposed plates, the bolt having two openings therethrough from side tolside, one of the bolt operating devices passing. through one ofthe-openingsin.A the bolt and" the other of the bolt operating'devices-passing through the other of the openings `in the bolt, and twoidentical bolt operating cams, eachy connected. with one of the boltoperating devices ati the extremity thereof' remote from. the platereceiving it, each. ofthe cams being disposed in operative relationshipwith respect to the bolt to operate the bolt when theY b'ol't'operating. device with which the cam is connected is operated.

11. A ylatch, comprising a.k casing andi a bolt adapted to be mounted inthe casing selectively for generally rectilinear or angular operativemovement, the bolt having latching portions projecting in oppositedirections, oneofy the latching portions having a hook, the bolt beingreversible end-for-end in the casing, the bolt having a'pivot pinreceiving opening,V the casing. having pivot pin receiving openingsrespectively cooperable with the pivotpin receiving opening of the boltwhen the bolt isy in its` respective positions in the casing forreceiving arr pivot-4 pin to mount the bolt in the casing for angularmovement. Y

1.2, A latch comprising a casing and a boltadapted to be mounted. in:the casing selectively for generallyy rectilinear or angular'operativemovement, the bolt having latching portions projecting in. oppositedirections,. one only of the latching portions having a hook, the bolt;

beingreversible end-for-end in the casing, the bolt having a. pinreceiving opening, the casing having two pairs of pin receivingopenings, one pair of such openings. near one end of the casing and theother pair of such.

the bolt in the casing to receive a pivot pin to mountv the bolt in thecasing for angular movement and one opening of each pair being adaptedto receive a guide pin relatively to which the bolt. is generallyrectilinearly movable when not mounted for angular movement.

13. A latch comprising a casing comprising identical opposed casingmembers each having therethrough a. single opening only to receive a.portion of a bolt operating device, said opening in each of the casingmembers being disposed at a location removed from the center of thecasing member, two bolt operating devices,A one having a portionreceived within the openingof one of the casing members and the otherhaving a portion received within the opening of the other of the casingmembers so that one of the bolt operating devices is. operable from theoutside of one face of the casing and the other of the bolt operatingdevices is operable from the outside of the other face of the casing,thev casing. members being disposed with the respective openings innon-opposed relationship so that the respective bolt operating devicesare mounted in the casing; at diierent locations lengthwise of the bolt,a bolt in the casing, one of the bolt operating. devices having` a camdisposed at one face of the bolt near one longitudinal edge of the boltcooperable with the bolt to move the bolt and the other of the boltoperating devices having a cam disposed at the opposite face of thebolt. near the other longitudinal edge of the bolt cooperable with theboltV to move the bolt, the bolt being adapted to be positioned inthecasing with either face of. the bolt disposed toward either face of thecasing whereby the latch may be adapted for application to doors mountedto be opened in different directions, the bolt having four camfollowers, one at each of said locations at each face of the bolt, saidcam followers being. disposed respectively near the above mentionededges of the bolt so as to be'positioned to cooperate with therespective cams so that in each of said positions of` the bolt in thecasing each cam is positioned to act against. one of. the followers tomove the bolt;

14. A latch comprising a casing comprising opposed casing members eachhaving therethrough a single openingonly to receive a portion of a boltoperating. device, said opening in each of the casing members beingdisposed at a location removed from the center of the casing member, twobolt operating devices, one having a portion received within the'opening of one of the casing members and the other having a portionreceived within the opening of the other of the casing members so thatone of the bolt operating devices is operable from the outside of oneface of the casing and the other of the boltA operating devices isoperable from the outside of the other face` of the casing, the casingmembers being disposed. with the. respective openings in non-opposedrelationship so that the respective bolt operating devices are mountedlin the casing at different locations lengthwise of the bolt, a bolt inthe casing, the bolt being open in the direction from one of the opposedcasing members to the other thereof, each of the bolt operating devicespassing through the bolt, each of the bolt operating devices having acam disposed at the face of the bolt.

remote from the casing member in which that bolt operating device ismounted and near one longitudinal edge of the bolt, the respective camsbeing near the opposite longitudinal edges of the bolt, the bolt beingadapted to be positioned in the casing with either face of the boltdisposed toward either face of the casing whereby the latch may beadapted for application to doors mounted to be opened in differentdirections, the bolt having four cam followers, one at each of saidlocations at each face of the bolt, said cam followers being disposedrespectively near the above mentioned edges of the bolt so as to bepositioned to cooperate with the respective cams so that in each of saidpositions of the bolt in the casing each cam is positioned to actagainst one of the followers to move the bolt.

15. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing, two boltoperating devices mounted in the casing at different locationslengthwise of the bolt, one of said devices having a cam cooperable withthe bolt to move the bolt disposed at one face of the bolt and the otherof said devices having a cam cooperable with the bolt to move the boltdisposed at the opposite face of the bolt, the

traces of the paths of movement of the cams in a plane v parallel to thefaces of the bolt overlapping, the bolt being adapted to be positionedin the casing with either face of the bolt disposed towar-d either faceof the casing and also with either end of the bolt projecting fromeither end of the casing, the bolt having at each face thereof aprojection which when the bolt is disposed in certain of said positionsin the casing is engageable by one of the cams to move the bolt and whenthe bolt is disposed in other of said positions in the casing isengageable by the other of the cams to move the bolt.

16. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing, two boltoperating devices mounted in the casing at different locationslengthwise ot the bolt, one of said devices having a cam disposed at oneface of the bolt and the other of said devices having a cam disposed atthe opposite face of the bolt, the traces of the paths of movement ofthe cams in a plane parallel to the faces of the bolt overlapping, thebolt being adapted to be positioned in the casing with one face of thebolt disposed toward one face of the casing and one end of the boltprojecting from one end of the casing and also with the opposite face ofthe bolt disposed toward said face of the casing and the opposite end ofthe bolt projecting from said end of the casing, and means for pivotingthe bolt to the casing for swinging movement when the bolt is in eitherof said positions, the bolt having at each face thereof a projectionwhich when the bolt is `disposed in one of said positions in the casingis engageable by one of the cams to swing the bolt and when the bolt isdisposed in the other of said positions in the casing is engageable bythe other of the cams to swing the bolt.

17. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing, two boltoperating devices mounted in the casing at different locationslengthwise of the bolt, the respective bolt operating devices beingconnected with the casing at opposite faces thereof, each of the boltoperating devices extending through the bolt and having a cam disposedat the face of the bolt remote from the face of the casing to which thatdevice is connected, the traces of the paths of movement of the cams ina plane parallel to the faces of the bolt overlapping, the bolt beingadapted to be positioned in the casing with one face of the boltdisposed toward one face of the casing and one end of the boltprojecting from one end of the casing and also with the opposite face ofthe bolt disposed toward said face of the casing and the opposite end ofthe bolt projecting from said end of the casing, and means for pivotingthe bolt to the casing for swinging movement when the bolt is in eitherof said positions, the bolt having at each face thereof a projectionwhich when the bolt is disposed in one of said positions in the casingis engageable by one of the cams to swing the bolt and when the bolt isdisposed in the other of said positions in the casing is engageable bythe other of the cams to swing the 12 bolt, the projections being inline with each other generally perpendicular to the faces of the bolt.

18. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing mountable thereinselectively for generally rectilinear or angular movement and boltoperating means carried by the casing and engaging the bolt to operatethe same, the bolt operating means being movable in one direction tooperate the bolt when the bolt is mounted in the casing for generallyrectilinear movement, the bolt having means positioned in the path ofthe bolt operating means when so movable through which the bolt isoperated, the bolt operating means being movable in the other directionto operate the bolt when the bolt is mounted in the casing for angularmovement, the bolt having means positioned in the path of the boltoperating means when so movable through which the bolt is operated.

19. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing mountable thereinselectively for generally rectilinear or angular movement and boltoperating means carried by the casing, the bolt operating meanscomprising a twoarmed lever one arm of which operates the bolt when thebolt is mounted in the casing for generally rectilinear movement and theother arm of which operates the bolt when the bolt is mounted in thecasing for angular movement.

20. A latch comprising a casing, a bolt in the casing mountable thereinselectively for generally rectilinear or angular movement and two boltoperating devices carried by the casing and extending inwardly fromopposite faces thereof respectively at different locations endwise ofthe bolt to engage and operate the bolt, each of said devices comprisinga two-armed lever one arm of which operates the bolt upon movement ofthe bolt operating device when the bolt is mounted in the casing forgenerally rectilinear movement and the other arm of which operates thebolt upon movement of the bolt operating device when the bolt is mountedin the casing for angular movement.

21. Latch operating mechanism comprising a cylinder lock case having abore normally for receiving a lock cylinder, a hollow spindle having ahandle at its outer end rotatably mounted in the bore, a lever at theinner end of the spindle and fastening means disposed within the hollowspindle fastening the lever to the inner end of the spindle.

22. Latch operating mechanism comprising a cylinder lock case having abore normally for receiving a lock cylinder, a hollow spindle having ahandle at its outer end rotatably mounted in the bore, a lever having aportion entering the inner end of the bore and a screw entering thehollow spindle from the outside fastening the lever to the spindle.

23. Latch operating mechanism comprising a cylinder lock case having abore normally for receiving a lock cylinder, a hollow spindle having ahandle at its outer end rotatably mounted in the bore, a lever having aportion entering the inner end of the bore, said portion of the leverand the hollow spindle having intertting means whereby they may bemaintained against relative rotation but permitting application of thehollow spindle to said portion in either of two selected angularpositions relatively thereto and fastening means disposed within thehollow spindle fastening the lever to the inner end of the spindle.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 48,297Gonnigle June 20, 1865 1,158,446 Cofn Nov. 2, 1915 1,340,398 OBrien May18, 1920 1,452,812 Murmann Apr. 24, 1923 1,718,711 Schlage June 25, 19291,722,728 Wright July 30, 1929 2,327,071 Schlage Aug. 17, 1943 2,426,141Kell Aug. 19, 1947 2,430,913 Ciani Nov. 18, 1947

